HB1709 • 2026

Professions and Occupations

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4; Title 7; Title 20; Title 23; Title 33; Title 37; Title 39; Title 42; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title 46; Title 47; Title 49; Title 52; Title 53; Title 55; Title 56; Title 57; Title 59; Title 60; Title 62; Title 63; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69; Title 70; Title 71 and Chapter 463 of the Public Acts of 2025, relative to the regulation of professions.

Agriculture Education Healthcare

Active

The official status still shows this bill as active or still awaiting another formal step.

Sponsor: Cochran, Bailey
Last action: 2026-03-18
Official status: Rec. for pass. if am., ref. to Calendar & Rules Committee
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details about the enforcement mechanisms or consequences for non-compliance.

Tennessee Law on Professional Licenses and Citizenship

This bill requires individuals to prove they are United States citizens or qualified aliens before obtaining various professional licenses, permits, certifications, authorizations, or registrations in Tennessee.

What This Bill Does

Requires proof of citizenship or qualified alien status for court reporters, aeronautics instructors, and other professions listed in the official summary text.
Applies to licenses issued by multiple state departments such as agriculture, education, financial institutions, human services, and others.
Includes specific professions like dispensing opticians, veterinarians, dentists, and those in healthcare fields.
Requires verification or confirmation from other states that applicants are citizens or qualified aliens before accepting their professional credentials.

Who It Names or Affects

People applying for various professional licenses, permits, certifications, authorizations, or registrations in Tennessee.

Terms To Know

Qualified alien: A person who meets the definition of a qualified alien under federal law and is eligible to receive state or local public benefits.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify what happens if an applicant cannot provide proof of citizenship or qualified alien status.
It remains unclear how this requirement will be enforced for existing license holders who may need to renew their licenses in the future.

Amendments

These notes stay tied to the official amendment files and metadata from the legislature.

HA0730

Amendment 1-0 to HB1709

Plain English: The amendment changes licensing requirements for various professions in Tennessee to require applicants to be U.S. citizens or qualified aliens.

Removes the requirement that court reporters must be notaries public to administer oaths to witnesses.
Adds new sections and subsections requiring individuals seeking professional licenses across multiple fields, such as law, aeronautics instruction, education, and more, to prove they are U.S. citizens or qualified aliens.

The amendment text is truncated at the end, so some details about certain sections may be incomplete.
Specific impacts on existing license holders who do not meet the new requirements are not addressed in this amendment.

HA0844

Amendment 2-0 to HB1709

Plain English: The amendment changes several sections of Tennessee law to require individuals seeking professional licenses in various fields to be either U.S. citizens or qualified aliens.

Removes existing language and adds new requirements for court reporters, aeronautics instructors, lawyers, educators, and other professionals to prove they are U.S. citizens or qualified aliens.
Adds provisions that require state agencies to confirm the citizenship status of individuals seeking licenses from other states before accepting those licenses.

The amendment text is truncated at the end, so some sections may not be fully explained.
Specific details about how these changes will affect current license holders or application processes are not provided in the given text.

SA1020

Amendment 1-0 to SB1901

Plain English: The amendment changes several sections of Tennessee law to require individuals seeking professional licenses in various fields, such as court reporting and education, to be U.S. citizens or qualified aliens.

Removes existing language and adds new requirements for licensing in multiple professions, including court reporters, lawyers, aeronautics instructors, educators, and others.
Adds provisions that require individuals applying for professional licenses to prove they are either U.S. citizens or qualified aliens.

The amendment text is truncated at the end, so some sections may not be fully explained in this summary.

SA1033

Amendment 2-0 to SB1901

Plain English: This amendment removes specific requirements for obtaining certain licenses in Tennessee.

Removes a requirement that applicants for dental hygiene licenses must be citizens of the United States or Canada, or legally entitled to live within the U.S.
Deletes certain subdivisions from Sections 63-6-207(a)(1)(E), 63-6-207(a)(2)(E), and 63-12-112(b)(4) of Tennessee Code Annotated.

The exact impact on other licensing requirements or regulations is not specified in the amendment text.

Bill History

2026-04-07 Tennessee General Assembly
Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 8, Nays 1 PNV 0
2026-04-02 Tennessee General Assembly
Sponsor(s) Added.
2026-04-01 Tennessee General Assembly
Placed on Senate Commerce and Labor Committee calendar for 4/7/2026
2026-03-18 Tennessee General Assembly
Rec. for pass. if am., ref. to Calendar & Rules Committee
2026-03-11 Tennessee General Assembly
Placed on cal. Commerce Committee for 3/18/2026
2026-03-11 Tennessee General Assembly
Action def. in Commerce Committee to 3/18/2026
2026-03-10 Tennessee General Assembly
Action deferred in Senate Commerce and Labor Committee to 3/17/2026
2026-03-04 Tennessee General Assembly
Placed on cal. Commerce Committee for 3/11/2026
2026-03-04 Tennessee General Assembly
Action def. in Commerce Committee to 3/11/2026
2026-03-04 Tennessee General Assembly
Placed on Senate Commerce and Labor Committee calendar for 3/10/2026
2026-03-03 Tennessee General Assembly
Action deferred in Senate Commerce and Labor Committee to 3/10/2026
2026-02-25 Tennessee General Assembly
Placed on cal. Commerce Committee for 3/4/2026
2026-02-24 Tennessee General Assembly
Placed on Senate Commerce and Labor Committee calendar for 3/3/2026
2026-02-24 Tennessee General Assembly
Reset on Final calendar of Senate Commerce and Labor Committee
2026-02-18 Tennessee General Assembly
Rec. for pass by s/c ref. to Commerce Committee
2026-02-17 Tennessee General Assembly
Placed on Senate Commerce and Labor Committee calendar for 2/24/2026
2026-02-11 Tennessee General Assembly
Placed on s/c cal Business & Utilities Subcommittee for 2/18/2026
2026-02-02 Tennessee General Assembly
Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Commerce and Labor Committee
2026-01-22 Tennessee General Assembly
Assigned to s/c Business & Utilities Subcommittee
2026-01-22 Tennessee General Assembly
P2C, ref. to Commerce Committee
2026-01-22 Tennessee General Assembly
Introduced, Passed on First Consideration
2026-01-21 Tennessee General Assembly
Sponsor(s) Added.
2026-01-21 Tennessee General Assembly
Intro., P1C.
2026-01-21 Tennessee General Assembly
Filed for introduction
2026-01-15 Tennessee General Assembly
Filed for introduction

Official Summary Text

This bill requires verification that a person is a United States citizen or qualified alien before the applicant can be issued various licenses, permits, certifications, authorizations, or registrations. As used in such provision, a "qualified alien" me
ans a qualified alien as defined by federal law or an alien or nonimmigrant eligible to receive state or local public benefits under federal law. The requirements of this bill apply to all of the following:



Licenses to become a court reporter.



Licenses to practice law, if requirements are approved by the supreme court.



Professional licenses issued by the department of children's services.



Aeronautics instructor licenses.



Professional licenses issued by the department of agriculture.



Licenses to do business as a livestock dealer.



Certificates from the beekeeper certification program.



Licenses to engage in the business of custom hatching, producing baby chicks for sale, or selling or offering baby chicks for sale.



Licenses to operate as a dealer to buy or sell dogs or cats, including licenses to sell dogs or cats to research facilities, licenses to sell dogs or cats for resale, licenses to buy dogs or cats for resale, and licenses to transport dogs or cats in commerce.



Licenses issued by the department of financial institutions.



Registration as a provider of debt-management services.



Licenses to be a certified public weigher.



Licenses to be a public weighmaster.



Professional licenses issued by the department of education, including licenses to teach and emergency teaching credentials.



Licenses issued by the department of disability and aging, including those to operate a service or facility that provides intellectual disability, developmental disability, or personal support services.



License to manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for introduction into commerce.



Licenses issued pursuant to the Dairy Law of the State of Tennessee.



Licenses to operate an establishment for the slaughtering of livestock or poultry.



Licenses to process livestock, deer, poultry, or another's animal for use or consumption.



Licenses to manufacture, obtain, possess, dispose, or administer legend drugs, or controlled substance analogues, for the purpose of scientific research, instruction, or chemical analysis.



License to do business as an automotive mobility dealer.



Licenses to sell, solicit, or negotiate insurance.



Licenses to operate a mine.



Certificates of qualification to be a mine foreman.



Licenses to produce fuel alcohol.



Licenses, certifications, and registrations issued by the department of commerce and insurance, including (i) licenses to operate an investigations company, (ii) private investigator licenses, (iii) polygraph examiners licenses, (iv) licenses to operate a contract security company, and (iv) registration cards for armed and unarmed security guards or officers.



Licenses for alcohol and drug abuse counselors.



Permits to operate as a manufacturer, distributor, retailer, or seasonal retailer of fireworks.



Licenses to operate as a petroleum gas dealer.



Licenses issued under the Emergency Medical Services Act of 1983.



Certifications to operate a water supply system, wastewater system, water treatment plant, wastewater treatment plant, water distribution system, or wastewater collection system.



Professional licenses issued by the department of human services.

LICENSES OR PERMITS TO DISTRIBUTE OR MANUFACTURE INTOXICATING LIQUORS

If the applicant is a United States citizen, is a qualified alien, or has a valid J-1 or F-1 student visa, then this bill provides that the following applicants are eligible for such license or permit:



A
pplicants for a professional license or permit under the Intoxicating Liquor Sales Law
.


Applicants for a permit to sell, distribute, or manufacture beer
.


Applicants for a license to manufacture, distribute, or sell hemp derived cannabinoid products
.

LICENSES TO PRACTICE THE HEALING ARTS

This bill provides that persons are eligible for a license or
certification for a profession of the healing arts if such person is a United States citizen or a qualified alien. This includes applications to practice as a physician, dentist, psychological examiner, certified psychological assistant, certified psychol
ogical testing technician, and veterinary medicine. Applicants to be licensed as a physician are eligible if they have applied for a valid visa that would authorize the applicant to work in the United States under federal law. Applicants to practice den
ti
stry, medicine, and veterinary medicine are also eligible to be licensed if they are citizens of Canada.

DISPENSING OPTICIANS

In order to be eligible for a license as a dispensing optician, this bill requires an applicant to (i) be of good moral character, (ii) be 18 or older, (iii) have satisfactorily completed not less than two years of proper schooling as recognized by the b
oard, and (iv) have practical training and experience satisfactory to the board as an apprentice under a dispensing optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist.

APPLICABILITY

This bill applies to licenses, permits, certifications, authorizations, or registrations applied for, or renewed, on or after the date that this bill becomes law.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

SENATE BILL 1901
By Bailey

HOUSE BILL 1709
By Cochran
HB1709
011322
- 1 -

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated,
Title 4; Title 7; Title 20; Title 23; Title 33; Title 37;
Title 39; Title 42; Title 43; Title 44; Title 45; Title
46; Title 47; Title 49; Title 52; Title 53; Title 55;
Title 56; Title 57; Title 59; Title 60; Title 62; Title
63; Title 67; Title 68; Title 69; Title 70; Title 71 and
Chapter 463 of the Public Acts of 2025, relative to
the regulation of professions.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE:
SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 4-58-103(a)(2), is amended by
deleting the subdivision.
SECTION 2. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 20-9-609(a), is amended by deleting
the subsection and substituting:
(a)
(1) To be licensed as a court reporter, an applicant shall submit proof of
the following:
(A) The applicant is a United States citizen or a qualified alien, as
defined in § 4-58-102; and
(B) The applicant passed the National Court Reporters
Association registered professional reporter examination, the National
Verbatim Reporters Association certified verbatim reporter examination,
or the American Association of Electronic Reporters and Transcribers
certified electronic reporter examination and certified electronic
transcriber examination.
(2) Applications for licensure must be signed and sworn by the applicants
and submitted on forms furnished by the commissioner.

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(3) All applicants who are found qualified to engage in the practice of
court reporting pursuant to this part must be issued a license as a licensed court
reporter and an identifying number.
(4) The license is valid for two (2) years from the date of issuance.
(5) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a licensed court reporter is
not required to be a notary public to administer oaths to witnesses in the
performance of their professional duties as a court reporter.
SECTION 3. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 23, Chapter 3, Part 1, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:
The supreme court is encouraged to establish guidelines to limit a person's
eligibility for a license to practice law or engage in law business to a person who is a
United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 4. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 37-5-127, is amended by adding the
following as a new subsection:
(e) To be eligible for a professional license issued by the department, board,
commission, agency, or other governmental entity pursuant to this title, a person must
be a United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 5. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 42-2-210, is amended by adding the
following as a new subsection:
(d) Aeronautics Instructors License Requirement. To be licensed as an
aeronautics instructor pursuant to this section, a person must be a United States citizen
or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 6. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 43, Chapter 1, Part 1, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:

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To be eligible for a professional license issued by the department pursuant to this
title, a person must be a United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-
102.
SECTION 7. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 44-10-203, is amended by
designating the existing language as subsection (a) and adding the following as a new
subsection:
(b) To be eligible for a license pursuant to this section, a person must be a
United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 8. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 44-15-111, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection:
(c) To be eligible for a certificate pursuant to this section, a person must be a
United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 9. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 44-16-201, is amended by
designating the existing language as subsection (a) and adding the following as a new
subsection:
(b) To be eligible for a license pursuant to this section, a person must be a
United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 10. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 44-17-104, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection:
(c) To be eligible for a license pursuant to this section, a person must be a
United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 11. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 45-1-130, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection:
(e) To be eligible for a professional license under this title, a person must be a
United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.

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SECTION 12. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 47-18-5504, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection:
(d) To be eligible for registration under this chapter, a provider must be a United
States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 13. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 47-18-5512, is amended by
designating the existing language as subsection (a) and adding the following as a new
subsection:
(b) Prior to a provider's license, certificate, or registration from another state
being accepted by the administrator, the administrator shall either:
(1) Confirm that the other state has verified that the provider is a United
States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102; or
(2) Verify that the provider is a United States citizen or a qualified alien,
as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 14. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 47-18-5512, is amended by adding
the following as a new subdivision:
(4) The criteria in subsection (b) have been met.
SECTION 15. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 47-18-5803, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection:
(f) To be eligible for a license under this part, a person must be a United States
citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 16. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 47-26-804(a)(1), is amended by
deleting the subdivision and substituting:
(1) Is a United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 17. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 47-26-1004, is amended by deleting
subdivision (3) and substituting:

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(3) Be a United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102; and
SECTION 18. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-5-101, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection:
(h) To be eligible for an educator license pursuant to this section, a person must
be a United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 19. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-5-106, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection:
(l) To be eligible for a permit or license endorsement exemption pursuant to this
section, a person must be a United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-
58-102.
SECTION 20. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 49-5-109, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection:
(b) Prior to entering into a reciprocal agreement with a certifying or licensing
authority in another state, as described in subsection (a), the state board of education
shall either:
(1) Confirm that the other state has verified that the person is a United
States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102; or
(2) Verify that the person is a United States citizen or a qualified alien, as
defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 21. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 52-2-406, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection:
(i) To be eligible for a license pursuant to this part, a person must be a United
States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 22. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 53-1-204, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection:

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(e) To be eligible for a license pursuant to this section, a person must be a
United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 23. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 53, Chapter 3, Part 1, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:
To be eligible for a license or registration certificate pursuant to this chapter, a
person must be a United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 24. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 53-7-216, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection:
(f) To be eligible for a license pursuant to this part, a person must be a United
States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 25. Chapter 463 of the Public Acts of 2025, is amended by adding the
following as a new subsection in § 53-7-205 in Section 1:
(e) To be eligible for a license pursuant to this part, a person must be a United
States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 26. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 53-14-105(b), is amended by
adding the following as a new subdivision:
(6) Provides proof that the applicant is a United States citizen or a qualified
alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 27. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 55-17-302, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection:
(d) To be eligible for a license pursuant to this section, a person must be a
United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 28. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 56-6-103, is amended by
designating the existing language as subsection (a) and adding the following as a new
subsection:

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(b) To be eligible for a license pursuant to this section, a person must be a
United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 29. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 57, Chapter 3, Part 1, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:
To be eligible for a professional license or permit under this chapter, a person
must be a United States citizen, a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102, or have a
valid J-1 or F-1 student visa, as verified by the alcoholic beverage commission.
SECTION 30. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 57, Chapter 5, Part 1, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:
To be eligible for a permit under this chapter, a person must be a United States
citizen, a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102, or have a valid J-1 or F-1 student visa,
as verified by the alcoholic beverage commission.
SECTION 31. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 57, Chapter 7, Part 1, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:
To be eligible for a professional license under this chapter, a person must be a
United States citizen, a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102, or have a valid J-1 or F-
1 student visa, as verified by the alcoholic beverage commission.
SECTION 32. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 59, Chapter 1, Part 1, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:
To be eligible for a license under this chapter, a person must be a United States
citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 33. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 59, Chapter 4, Part 2, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:
To be eligible for a certificate under this chapter, a person must be a United
States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.

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SECTION 34. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 60, Chapter 4, Part 1, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:
To be eligible for a license under this chapter, a person must be a United States
citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 35. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 62-26-206(a)(2), is amended by
deleting the subdivision.
SECTION 36. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 62-26-207(a)(2), is amended by
deleting the subdivision.
SECTION 37. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 62-27-107(a), is amended by
deleting subdivision (2).
SECTION 38. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 62-35-106(2), is amended by
deleting the subdivision.
SECTION 39. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 62-35-117(2), is amended by
deleting the subdivision.
SECTION 40. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 62, Chapter 76, Part 1, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:
Notwithstanding §§ 62-5-305, 62-5-307, and 62-5-312, to be eligible for a
certificate or professional license from a board, commission, agency, or other
governmental entity created pursuant to this title, a person must be a United States
citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 41. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 63-1-104(c), is amended by
deleting the subsection and substituting:
(c) A license, examination, or certification must not be denied to a person for a
profession of the healing arts under this title if such person meets the eligibility
requirements in § 63-1-181.

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SECTION 42. Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 63, Chapter 1, Part 1, is amended by
adding the following as a new section:
63-1-181. Eligibility requirement.
(a)
(1) To be eligible for a license, certificate, permit, or authorization under
this title, a person must be a United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined
in § 4-58-102.
(2) Notwithstanding subdivision (a)(1), a person may be eligible for a
license, certificate, permit, or authorization under this title if such person is
seeking to practice as a physician, pursuant to chapter 6 or 9 of this title, and
provides proof that the person has applied for a valid visa that would authorize
such person to work in the United States under federal law.
(b) If a board issues a license to an applicant who holds or possesses a valid
license to practice a healing art pursuant to this title in another state, then the board shall
either:
(1) Confirm that the other state has verified that the person meets the
requirements in subsection (a); or
(2) Verify that the person meets the requirements in subsection (a).
SECTION 43. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 63-5-110(a)(2), is amended by
deleting the subdivision and substituting:
(2) The applicant must be at least eighteen (18) years of age, of good moral
character and reputation, and be a citizen of Canada or meet the eligibility requirements
in § 63-1-181.
SECTION 44. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 63-6-207(a)(1), is amended by
deleting subdivision (E) and substituting:

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(E) Evidence of being a citizen of Canada or meeting the eligibility requirements
in § 63-1-181.
SECTION 45. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 63-6-207(a)(2), is amended by
deleting subdivision (E) and substituting:
(E) Evidence of being a citizen of Canada or meeting the eligibility requirements
in § 63-1-181.
SECTION 46. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 63-11-207(a)(3)(B), is amended by
deleting the subdivision.
SECTION 47. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 63-11-207(b)(2)(B), is amended by
deleting the subdivision.
SECTION 48. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 63-11-207(c)(4)(B), is amended by
deleting the subdivision.
SECTION 49. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 63-12-112(b)(4), is amended by
deleting the subdivision and substituting:
(4) Is a citizen of Canada or meets the eligibility requirements in § 63-1-181.
SECTION 50. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 63-14-103(a)(1), is amended by
deleting the subdivision and substituting:
(1) A person is entitled to make application to the board for examination if the
person meets the following requirements:
(A) The person is of good moral character;
(B) The person is eighteen (18) years of age or older;
(C) The person has satisfactorily completed not less than two (2) years of
the prescribed course of a school for dispensing opticians recognized by the
board; and

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(D) The person has had practical training and experience of a grade and
character satisfactory to the board as an apprentice or student under the
supervision of a dispensing optician, optometrist, or ophthalmologist licensed by
the state for a period of not less than three (3) years or the equivalent amount of
time under the supervision of such licensed professionals of another state that
has dispensing opticianry licensure criteria at least as strict as this state.
SECTION 51. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 63-16-104(a)(1)(B), is amended by
deleting the subdivision.
SECTION 52. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 63-20-102(1)(A), is amended by
deleting the subdivision.
SECTION 53. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 68-24-602, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection:
(d) To be eligible for a license under this part, a person must be a United States
citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 54. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 68-104-102, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection:
(h) To be eligible for a permit under this part, a person must be a United States
citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 55. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 68-135-103, is amended by adding
the following as a new subdivision:
(6) The applicant shall provide proof that the applicant is a United States citizen
or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 56. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 68-140-306, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection:

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(k) To be eligible for a license or certificate under this section, a person must be
a United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 57. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 68-221-904, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection:
(d) To be eligible to be certified under this section, a person must be a United
States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 58. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 71-1-134, is amended by adding
the following as a new subsection:
(e) To be eligible for a professional license under this title, a person must be a
United States citizen or a qualified alien, as defined in § 4-58-102.
SECTION 59. The heading in this act is for reference purposes only and does not
constitute a part of the law enacted by this act. However, the Tennessee Code Commission is
requested to include the heading in any compilation or publication containing this act.
SECTION 60. This act takes effect upon becoming a law, the public welfare requiring it,
and applies to licenses, permits, certificates, authorizations, or registrations applied for or
renewed on or after that date.